In the frame of the EU 7th Framework Joint Technology Initiative Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft project, the DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology (DLR-AS) is participating as an associated partner in the Airbus-led studies of the Contra-Rotating Open Rotor (CROR) as possible powerplant for future transport aircraft. Due to significant technical challenges in terms of noise emissions, installation effects and certification that still need to be addressed for this novel propulsion system, the numerical activities require the use of sophisticated multidisciplinary analysis tools and approaches covering aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and aeroelastics. In this paper an overview of the DLR-AS work in the project is given, which covers the numerical assessment of a novel noise reduction technology, an initial study of blade aeroelasticity as well as some in-depth studies on isolated and installed pusher-configuration CROR engine configurations. The first results of a validation of the numerical simulations using experimental test data that is being generated in Airbus-led low-speed wind tunnel tests are also presented.